This was posted in the DVDTalk forum, but thought it might be interesting to those of you who don't frequent there that often... Speed will be released in the US Region 1 as a Five Star Title. Specs are as such (according to the digital bits):

That same day, you'll also be able to get Speed 2: Cruise Control on DVD in newly mastered, THX-certified anamorphic widescreen video with audio in Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 versions, along with a never before seen "making of" special (SRP $19.98). And both films will be available in the Speed: DVD Box Set (SRP $39.98).

info posted by RobCA in the DVDTalk forum

Here's the respective covers from the different regions:

US Region 1

Japan Region 2

UK Region 2

Australia Region 4

let me know if you guys want a side-by-side comparison of the features and I might do it if I have nothing better to do.

__________________theomnom.comBefore you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence? Sai Baba

I don't have the specs of the 2-disc Japan edition, but I'm thinking that these are all more or less the same exact thing. I'm gonna go for the 5-star release cuz it is retailing for only 27 bucks so the actual price should be under 20 with free shipping from deep discount dvd. The extras that are only listed as being in one country's disc are mostly throw-away stuff that probably just got passed over when they were listing features... except for the original screenplay on the US edition. I didn't see this listed on other editions, so I'd imagine this to be a desired feature for someone. Not me, but I think since they're all basically the same, I might as well get the one that's most compatible with where I live in case I loan it out or take it to a friend's house. As for the cases... Five-Star titles have gotten those double Amaray cases that are silver colored plastic and kinda funky to close... that doesn't necessarily mean that this title won't come in a gatefold like in the other regions. We'll have to see, but it does look like from the picture that the AU version is coming in the double amaray case. If case is important, I'd wait and see... if the US version is the case you don't like, then go for the R2 UK version since the Japan version is probably going to cost like 50 bucks. As for the artwork, I personally don't care, but I do kinda favor the artwork on both the R2 versions over the R1 and R4 picture.

__________________theomnom.comBefore you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence? Sai Baba

I was ready to order Predator tonight because I read this morning that it will be a long time before they release it in Region One. Guess they want to see how it does in Region 2 first but then I found this on dvddebate.com...

The Predator Debacle
Posted on Friday, June 29 2001 @ 10:29:54 BST by Lee J Stoneman
As many of you will already know, the UK version of the Arnie flick Predator has been sliced and diced in the UK, despite it being rated as 18. The reason for this oddity is that Fox, for some reason known only to themselves, decided to release the German version rather than the already uncut UK version.

The version that now sits on shelves here in the UK is technically uncertified, since the version submitted to the BBFC back in March 98 is completely uncut. This being the case, should the disc be pulled from shelves as Buena Vista were forced to do when they accidentally released the uncertified Airline version of Die Hard 3? Sadly, no. After speaking to the BBFC today it turns out that an error was made and Fox have decided to simply re-submit the cut version. Problem solved. For them.

Those of you keen to avoid this disappointing release will have no further to look than France, where a completely uncut English language version is available coded for region 2. The more adventurous will probably wish to seek out the superb region 1 version which not only comes uncut, but also features a DTS audio track.

Predator 2 is similarly cut in the UK, although this has always been the case. Again the French R2 disc is uncut and comes with the original 5.1 English audio and again there's a DTS version on the way in the US shortly.

I've never seen Predator but I've always heard about it. I really like Arnie and action movies are my thing. Without giving ANYTHING away storywise, do you think getting the 2 disc SE would be worth it? Is it a great movie?

I saw a trailer online for it and it looked very interesting. Your thoughts are welcome.